Javier Arizmendi sentenced for grooming, abducting 10-year-old boy he met on Xbox Live

A 57-year-old man has been sentenced after being found guilty of grooming and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy.

Javier Arizmendi was first convicted by a jury on December 10, 2025, and has now been sentenced to 54 years behind bars.

Arizmendi met the boy while playing Xbox Live. Authorities said he began to “groom” the child, paying for in-game add-ons and sending sexual messages.

He then planned for the boy to visit him in Los Angeles for a sexual relationship, driving nearly six hours to Sacramento to pick him up.

Once in the car, Arizmendi touched the victim. The boy became upset, prompting Arizmendi to drive him back to Sacramento.

“Arizmendi later admitted to detectives his intentions of engaging in a sexual relationship with the victim in Los Angeles,” the SCDAO said.

His charges included two counts of lewd act upon a child, kidnapping for child molest, contacting a minor with intent to commit kidnapping, sexual assault, and arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

Arizmendi will be eligible for release at an Elder Parole hearing after serving 20 years.

With in-custody credits, his hearing could come as early as 13 years, the SCDAO said.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.